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Okay, it was 2001, not 2002.....see the last paragraph:
Massachusetts Regulation changes for 2001
The Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Commission meeting took action on a number of issues at their December 7, 2000 meeting. These actions will become effective on December 21.
(1) Striped bass changes for 2001.
(A) Elimination of the requirement that all authorized striped bass dealers affix tags to each striped bass at first purchase. DMF evaluated the dealer tagging program after one year and determined that the administrative burden on the agency to implement a comprehensive dealer tag program does not outweigh enforcement and compliance benefits. DMF will continue to provide assistance to Massachusetts dealers that intend to ship bass out-of-state. Also, we will continue to require that bass shipped to Massachusetts during the December-March period be tagged to indicate point of origin.
(B) Minimum size lowered for recreational fishermen from 30 inches to 28 inches. DMF recommended this change given that there are limited conservation benefits associated with maintaining a 30-inch minimum, updated assessment data indicate fishery performance is within FMP guidelines and there is favorable support from some large Massachusetts sporting organizations. This size limit is expected to remain in place for two years (through 2002), or until Amendment 6 to the striped Bass FMP is completed.
(C) Final regulations prohibiting striped bass "high-grading" approved in September were filed. "High-grading" where smaller legal-sized fish previously captured and retained are then discarded in favor of another larger legal-sized fish. Recreational fishermen may not retain a legal-sized striped bass and release said fish in favor of another larger legal-sized striped bass captured subsequently. Any legal-sized fish not immediately released into the water and held by stringer, live-well or another means shall be considered intent to high-grade.
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